VOCs France A+ Class vs France A+ Class & AgBB

Perfect! Thank-you!

Hello Michelle, For the project in question we need a official response from USGBC. What is the best way to proceed? I have sent the same question to the "leedinfo@usgbc.org" on the 7th of July. Normally this takes them how long to respond? Is it possible to speed up their response time? Is a better option a CIR? Thank-you, Ian

Below is a my question and the reponse from USGBC. (Thank-you Michelle for the help) - - - - - - - Case 01206101: General Emissions VOCs France A+ Class vs France A+ Class & AgBB Question : Hello LEED , Under General Emissions Evaluation for projects in France (ex. Flooring ): 1) Is a product testing ISO 16000 with French legislation VOC emission class labeling A+ sufficient? (ISO 16000-3: 2010, ISO 16000-6: 2011, ISO 16000-9: 2006, ISO 16000-11:2006 either in conjunction with AgBB, or with French legislation on VOC emission class labeling) OR 2) Does the emissions testing need to be ISO 16000 with French legislation VOC emission class labeling A+ and in conjunction with AgBB? (http://www.eurofins.com/media/9738084/leed_nouvelle_version_v4.pdf, http://www.usgbc.org/resources/low-emitting-materials-third-party-certif... ) The USGBC Low-Emitting Materials Calculator & guide book states that option (1) is sufficient. However the EUROFINS website & USGBC Low-Emitting Materials Third Party Certification table state that option (2) with AgBB is necessary. In France is AgBB testing always necessary? Any thoughts? Thank-you, Cordialement, Ian McCall

Repose USGBC - - - - - - Case 01206101: General Emissions VOCs France A+ Class vs France A+ Class & AgBB Dear Ian, Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, A+ labelling done by an ISO 17025 accredited lab following the ISO 16000 test methods is acceptable. I agree, we could be clearer on that point. Here’s an excerpt from the reference guide that is a little more informative: International standards Recognizing the need for additional compliance options for projects outside the U.S., this credit also references select international standards, which can be used only under specific conditions because of the complicated nature of air quality standards. The German AgBB Testing and Evaluation Scheme (2010) is a leading industry standard that can be used for this credit, with some limitations. The AgBB standard does not represent a European consensus but does share common attributes with several European counterparts. It addresses six times more individual VOC requirements than the CDPH standard, and it specifies TVOC and total semivolatile organic compound (TSVOC) limits for all nonregulated substances. However, the standard has limitations, including the following: The formaldehyde limit value of 10 ?g/m³ at 28 days must also be met when using the AgBB alternative, as specified for class A+ in French compulsory VOC emissions class labeling. The AgBB requirements use different exposure scenario conditions than CDPH. Because VOC emissions from building materials generally decrease over time, the point in time for determining compliance is critical. The more time there is for off-gassing to occur, the easier it may be to meet the standard, even though in many cases the difference is minor (most emissions decay within the first week). CDPH requires compliance at 14 days; the full AgBB requirements apply at three or 28 days, which this credit does not take into If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to use the contact form at http://www.usgbc.org/contact or call us at 1.800.795.1747. Stay up to date! Subscribe to the LEED Update at usgbc.org/subscriptions for quarterly newsletters on important updates to the LEED rating systems (including addenda notifications) and LEED Online.” Regards, U.S. Green Building Council